It is, perhaps, difficult to understand how a process as seemingly "natural" as childbirth can be traumatising but it has been clear for many years that women can suffer extreme psychological distress as a consequence of their childbirth experience for a complex variety of reasons which are frequently related to the nature of delivery.

Unfortunately, the difference between the common perception of childbirth and some women's experience of it means that women who suffer Post Natal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms frequently find themselves very isolated and detached from other mothers. They also find themselves without a voice in a society which fails to understand the psychology of childbirth and which therefore expects mothers to get over their birth experience very quickly.

Consequently, women affected by Postnatal PTSD often find that there is nowhere to turn for support because even other mothers, who have not had traumatising births, can find it hard to understand how affecting a bad birth can be. This can make sufferers lonely and depressed as they often feel they are somehow "weaker" than other women because they are unable to forget their birth experience, despite being told by others to "put it behind them". They may feel incredibly guilty as a result.

This is a terrible burden for women to shoulder and one which profoundly affects their lives. The nature of PTSD means that constant ruminating on the birth experience is beyond the sufferer's control but this is constantly misunderstood, even by health care professionals.

Unfortunately, for women suffering from Postnatal PTSD, their detachment from others and the lack of support provided to them can mean that relationships with friends and family may deteriorate.

For example, many women end up feeling torn between their desire for more children and their determination to avoid another pregnancy. They may also lose interest in sex and these problems can place a great strain on relationships. Worryingly, it is suggested that women may also try and avoid medical treatments like smear tests.

For many women, their greatest concern is the day to day difficulties they encounter bonding with their baby who may be viewed as a constant reminder of the trauma they have experienced.

The Birth Trauma Association (BTA) aims to tackle this isolation by offering women much needed support and showing them that they are far from alone. By working together and providing women with a voice, we hope that we can help change those practices which contribute to Postnatal PTSD.

Isn't this just Post Natal Depression?

No. PTSD can overlap with Post Natal Depression (PND) as some of the symptoms are the same, but, the two illnesses are distinct and need to be treated individually. Unfortunately, because awareness of this issue is generally poor, many women are wrongly diagnosed with Post Natal Depression and are prescribed medication that may do little, or nothing, to help their situation. Women tell us that they are frequently told by their health care professionals that they should try and 'move on' with their lives or that they should just be grateful that they have a healthy baby. Unfortunately, this type of reaction shows a gross misunderstanding of the nature of Post Natal PTSD and may actually exacerbate the feelings of guilt and isolation that women already feel. Women may then end up with prescriptions for anti-depressants, simply because doctors do not understand the disorder. However, it is important to note that depression can go hand in hand with Postnatal PTSD, so not everyone is misdiagnosed and if you have been prescribed anti-depressants, this may well be an appropriate course of action for your particular circumstances.

If you are concerned about this issue in any way, you must speak to your health professional (e.g. GP or Health Visitor) for further advice. Please show them a copy of the BTA leaflet - downloadable from BTA website - if they appear to be unaware of Post Natal PTSD or the fact that it requires specialised treatment.

Ref: The Birth Trauma Association